Working with children when you have children of your own???

[~breeze~]

Hi everyone. As alot of you know I've recently (in the last 6 months) become a single mother. I don't know how single mothers do it (financially0 to be honest! So far I haven't had any spare money at the end of the week!

I had a phone call tonight out of the blue from my ex-boss who I used to nanny for, I finished up with her in 2003 but did a bit more work when DD was a few months old in 2005. She said another teacher at her school has her maternity leave finishing after the school holidays & is having problems finding someone she feels comfortable leaving her daughter with. My ex-boss said she would call me & ask if I was interested as she highly recommended me.

So she called & asked.....

The thing is, DD is in Pre-school 2 days a week, in November she will also be doing 1 day a week transition into "big school" then in January starts primary school 5 days a week.
DS will be in daycare 2 days a week & possibly with his grandmother another day a week (or could go a 3rd day at daycare if needed).
I'll also be having a break from the kids every second weekend... they'll be staying at their dads place & 1 night a week they'll be having dinner & time with their Dad & grandparents.

So what I'm saying is I'll be getting a good break from the kids instead of being on my own with both kids all the time!

For those of you who work with other peoples kids for a job, how do you find it? I guess I can just wait & see, we'll have a trial period, but I was just curious what others think in their experiences.

TIA

[fionas]

No advice just a yay!!! for your ex-boss recommending you (even if you turn it down) - always nice to be wanted.

[~breeze~]

No advice just a yay!!! for your ex-boss recommending you (even if you turn it down) - always nice to be wanted.

Yes it is great knowing that she liked me looking after her kids so much she recommends me!! Makes me feel good about myself

[fionas]

And so you should Danielle! Hope you get more useful advice than what I can offer though

[Twin Sister]

I look after a few of my friends kids as daycare and it is actually really difficult. I think i do a pretty good job but I have to admit that without the same connection to them that I have with my son I find myself feeling a bit annoyed when they start to fuss over stuff (I don't mean over real stuff like fear or injury, I mean over stupid things like "he took my toy"). It's pretty tiring playing referee all day. Changing diapers and cleaning up vomit/drool is a lot grosser too when it's not your kid. It's been good for me too though as it has taught me patience and it's nice for DS to have friends to play with. The best part though is it has allowed me to spend more time with my son. It's so nice that your boss recommended you so highly. If you think you can handle being around someone else's childall day then go for it.

[Lilly-Pilly]

I worked in child care and as a nanny before and after I had my DD.
Its definatley do-able, but i loved loved loved it before having DD, and after her I didn't like spending that time with other peoples kids anymore.
I'd take DD with me 2 days, and she was in day care 2 days, but it was pretty hard, compared to when i did if before having kids.
I felt like all i did 24/7 was deal with kids, cook, clean blah blah blah and it all got too much. I could have kept doing it, but in the end i chose to study and start a new career.

If for the financial side it would be beneficial, then maybe ask about a trial period for 3 months to see if it works for you and your family befire making a desicion

Good luck!